The Jervis McEntee Diaries - April 24, 1887

Diary Entry:

Sunday, Apr 24, 1887 A fine bright morning. We did not breakfast until 9 which is very late for me, but I had a nice bath and a short stroll before breakfast. Later we went up the glen and strolled about in the sunshine for several hours, dined at 4 and went all over the house which struck both of us as a most hospitable and cheerful one. I asked him what it had cost him and he told me less than $16,000. It looks as though it might have cost $50,000 or even more, but he has given it his personal attention and having money has bought materials advantageously. He told me that the whole mason work including the plastering was I think about $6,000. It certainly is a charming house and I enjoyed it and at the same time there was a feeling of unhappiness as I contrasted the ample means here to the lack in our own simple household. It was pleasant to be entertained here but I kept thinking all the time that I would have to go home and face trying and worrying responsibilities which a little money could so lighten. There was no envy in my heart but a feeling of discouragement that I could not more easily carry on our simple mode of life.